Category: Craft

Update on rock painting durability

On By CarynIn Craft

In August 2023 I painted several rocks using a line painting tool, then finished them with a clear UV spray coat. One of the rocks I put out in the garden with a collection of other painted rocks. A year and a half later, this is the only rock that looks as good as new. The others’ designs cracked and flaked off since they had layers of paint, sometimes quite thick.

Photo description: dark rock painted with thin white lines with floral designs and the words “Find joy and meaning where you can.”

My takeaway for this is that if you make or find a rock completely covered in paint, keep it inside. If you want to be super clever and hide your rock in a place it might take someone years to find, apply the paint sparingly. I think some of my planted painted rocks may have returned to their natural color waiting to be found. Those freeze thaw cycles and UV rays are hard on paint.

Throwback Thursday: crochet star blanket

On By CarynIn Craft, throwback

In 2012 my youngest was hospitalized for a total of 33 days with pneumonia and complications. I was a wreck. To maintain sanity I asked my family for yarn and sat in the PICU crocheting. I learned how to make star blankets and made two (I don’t have pictures of the first).

Photo description: green eight pointed crocheted star blankets and laying on a hospital bed

I still find crocheting a calming activity.

Bargain wreath

On By CarynIn Craft

I wanted a winter wreath on my front door that didn’t have red or green, so I wandered over to a craft store, and because it was after the holidays, all of what I wanted was on super clearance. I found a painted and glittered vine wreath that has a wire base, and 27 picks that are silvery gold with crystals for under $20. Before the holidays the same wreath parts would have cost $160.

Photo description: winter wreath hanging on a red door

The pre-painted vine wreath was heavily covered and it was difficult to get the picks wedged into the shape, so I used heavy wire cutters to snip off half the length, which helped. My eldest thought I bought it as pictured (I should have taken a before picture!)

Leather phone case protype

On By CarynIn Craft

I had the chance to sew some reclaimed leather on my antique Singer 66 treadle sewing machine. This leather is thin and flexible so was easy to sew, I suspect that a modern machine would be able to handle it as well. (There are tales out there that these old machines are great for sewing leather, but the truth is much more complicated.) I did crank the machine by hand rather than risk the speed of the treadle, and I used upholstery thread (and found my purchased bobbins don’t fit, sigh.)

I wanted an envelope style pocket with the flexibility to thread on a belt, or hang from belt loops with carabiners.

Photo description: sewing thin soft leather on a Singer 66 sewing machine
Photo description: pouch turned right-side out
Photo description: pouch with carabiners through the central hole in the belt pass through

The design needs work. I like the hole in the belt loop and the flexibility it gives, but the flap makes it difficult to get the phone in. I ended up clipping the edges of the flap so it still helps the phone stay put, but is easier to get the phone inside. Not ideal, but experiments will continue.

6 years

On By CarynIn art, Craft, photography
Photo caption: rusted iron spiral in the shape of a number 6

Today is the sixth anniversary of my blog! I did have a name change over that time from “of chickens and craft” to “critters and craft”. I do still have four chickens, and Wing Ding the Black Star hen is still laying eggs, even when there is snow on the ground, but things aren’t quite so chicken centric over here anymore. Now critters, we’re all about the critters, and making things.

The sixth year anniversary token is iron. I found a photo I took of old rusted farm equipment and did a little Photoshop magic. I like using AI generation to change the ratio of photos and fill backgrounds on my own photographs and work. No fleecing other artist’s work in a dodgy way, and it is hard to anticipate all the potential uses of a photo when the shutter snaps. The original photo is below.

Photo description: rusted iron spiral from old farm equipment sitting in the grass

I also appreciate the search function in photo apps. It is still improving, but it only took a minute to find this photo in my gallery with the search terms “rusty iron”.

Here’s to more posts on critters and craft!